® is a groundbreaking approach designed to help women restore sensation in their reconstructed breasts. After a mastectomy, losing breast sensation can be an additional emotional and physical challenge. Resensation® aims to help women feel more like themselves again.
Women who choose Resensation® with their breast reconstruction surgery often find that regaining some sensation can significantly improve their emotional well-being and body image. Sensation in the breasts is an important part of body image and femininity for many women, and ReSensation® can potentially help restore protective sensation.
If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery and want to learn more about how Resensation® can help you feel like yourself again, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing personalized care and innovative solutions to support your journey.
Don't wait any longer to take the first step towards feeling like yourself again. Book an appointment with us today and learn more about how we can help.
What is Resensation®?
Resensation® utilizes advanced microsurgical techniques to potentially restore breast sensation after a mastectomy. During these procedures, the nerves that provide sensation to the breast skin and nipple are cut, leading to a loss of sensation in the area.
Through Resensation®, these nerves are carefully reconnected using microsurgery techniques, allowing for the possibility of restored sensation in the reconstructed breast. Surgeons use a 'nerve allograft,' or donor nerve tissue, to close the gap between the damaged nerves. This gives the body everything it needs to support nerve regeneration and reconnection.
The Resensation® Process
Before undergoing the Resensation® procedure, patients will have a comprehensive consultation with their plastic surgeon at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. During this initial meeting, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, discuss their goals, and explain what to expect during the procedure.
Patients may need to have a pre-operative evaluation to ensure they are in good health for surgery. Preparing for the procedure may also involve making lifestyle adjustments, such as stopping smoking and avoiding certain medications, to optimize healing and recovery.
The Surgery Itself
The Resensation® process is typically performed in conjunction with autologous breast reconstruction surgery like the DIEP. . Using advanced microsurgical techniques, the surgeon will identify and reconnect the severed nerves in the breast tissue using a nerve allograft, which serves as a bridge between the damaged nerve endings.
This delicate process requires high levels of precision as the surgeon sutures the tiny nerve fibers together. The goal is to establish a pathway that supports nerve growth and reconnection, facilitating the return of sensation.
Recovery Process
After the operation, patients are closely monitored to ensure they are recovering well from the surgery. Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days to manage pain and receive postoperative care. During this time, the medical team will provide instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including tips for managing discomfort and reducing the risk of infection.
Patients will be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks to protect the healing breast skin and tissue. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and support recovery. While initial nerve regeneration may begin within a few months, it can take up to two years for sensation to return, making patience and adherence to post-op care crucial for the best outcomes.
Who is a Candidate for Resensation®?
Resensation® is suitable for many women who have undergone breast cancer treatment and are seeking breast reconstruction surgery. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Underwent Mastectomy: Most candidates are women who have previously had a mastectomy resulting in the loss of breast sensation. For patients who are having immediate breast reconstruction, Resensation® can be performed during the same operation.
- Good General Health: Candidates should be in good general health to tolerate the surgery and healing process. Preoperative evaluations are essential to confirm a patient's readiness for the procedure.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and complicate surgery outcomes. Patients are often advised to stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes, including the time required for full nerve regeneration and the variability in sensation recovery.
Why Choose The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction?
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction prides itself on its team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons. Dr. James Craigie and Dr. Richard Kline are both board-certified plastic surgeons and pioneers in the field of autologous breast reconstruction.
At our center, we are passionate about using advanced techniques to support women on their journey toward physical and emotional healing after breast cancer treatment. Our personalized approach to care ensures that each patient receives individualized attention and a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline are supported by a team of highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals who work together to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. We understand that breast reconstruction is a personal journey, and we strive to make each step as comfortable and successful as possible.
If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery and want to explore how Resensation® could benefit you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. Our team of expert breast surgeons is ready to help you achieve natural and beautiful results. Take the first step towards restoring sensation and body image—contact us today.
Ready to take the next step in your reconstruction journey? The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is ready to guide you through the process. Schedule your appointment online today and get started with South Carolina's top breast reconstruction specialists!
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after breast cancer surgery can Resensation® be performed?
Resensation® can be performed at various stages depending on the patient's unique circumstances and treatment plan. For some breast cancer patients, it may be possible to incorporate Resensation® during the same surgical procedure as their reconstruction.
However, other patients may need to wait until they have fully recovered from their initial surgery before undergoing Resensation® and reconstruction.
What are the risks associated with Resensation®?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. However, the highly skilled surgeons at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a safe and successful outcome.
Can Resensation® be performed with implant-based reconstruction?
Resensation is not possible during implant-based reconstruction because breast implants are artificial and do not contain nerves. Flap reconstruction, where tissue is taken from another part of the body and used to create a new breast, is necessary for Resensation®.
However, if you later choose to have your implants removed and replaced with your body's natural tissue, you may be a good candidate for Resensation®.
How can I schedule a consultation to learn more about Resensation®?
If you are interested in learning more about sensation-preserving mastectomy surgery and Resensation, you can schedule a consultation with an expert breast surgeon at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. Schedule your appointment online today or call our office to make an appointment. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your breast reconstruction journey.
